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Source: Marvin Sy, philstar.com

-- President Arroyo yesterday conferred boxing hero Manny Pacquiao the Order of the Sikatuna, Rank of Datu, for winning a record seventh title in seven different weight divisions.

The award was the highest honor that can be given to a civilian under the law.

Pacquaio scored a 12th round TKO over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto to capture the WBO welterweight crown at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas last Saturday for his seventh crown.

The Chief Executive led the rites at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila instead of Malacañang where these types of events usually take place.

Pacquiao actually arrived late for the event, which was supposed to start at 4:30 p.m., because he came from his own concert staged at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

The President explained that the decision to hold the ceremony inside the Rizal Park was meant to allow more people to participate in what she said was the conferment of an award that comes from the people.

After answering some questions from the President about his welterweight title bout in Las Vegas, Pacquiao asked Mrs. Arroyo why their meeting was done in Luneta instead of Malacañang as what was done after his previous victories.

“Because your seven (titles) record is different. Of course your every fight brings great honor to the Filipino people and you have fans from around the world. But your seven (titles) record, in seven categories, the tribute should be special,” the President said in Filipino.

“Because you always dedicate your victories to the entire country... this honor is given to you by the people. At Malacañang, only a few hundred could attend, but here, thousands could come and witness the honor given to you by the entire Filipino nation. That is the reason why we are here at Luneta,” the President added.

In conferring the Order of Sikatuna to Pacquiao, recognition is given to his being the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world and for achieving what no other boxer has ever done before, winning world titles in seven weight divisions.

Pacquiao was also cited for inspiring Filipinos to excel and for instilling national pride through his many achievements as a boxer.

Now Pacquiao can add the title of Datu to his already numerous titles and monickers, which include ambassador as the President’s special envoy for peace and understanding.